Retractable leash system

ABSTRACT

An animal restraint system which involves variable adjustability of maximum extension. A braking device with a pivoting tip which can move from a neutral position to a locked engaged position, a disengaged position, and a semi-engaged position. The semi-engaged position allows for spool rotation in the direction of retraction, while preventing spool rotation in the direction of extension. A brake lock with multiple settings including engaged position, disengaged position, and a semi-engaged position. A spool with teeth where one or more of the teeth is different from the others in shape, size or relative position to promote brake engagement efficiency. A leash maximum settings display. A moving “leash” guide which reduces tangling during extension and retraction. An adjustable handle grip to accommodate different hand sizes. A snap-on accessory attachment system. A leash dispenser system which limits full extension to reduce system failure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/179,844 titled “Retractable Leash System,” filed Jun. 10, 2016, whichis a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/542,649 titled“Retractable Leash System,” filed Jul. 10, 2012, which claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/571,707 titled “AdjustableLength Extension/Retraction Leash and Braking System,” filed Jul. 5,2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/627,646 titled“Adjustable Length Extension/Retraction Leash and Braking System,” filedOct. 17, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to a retractable leash adjustabilitysystem for maximum extension using manual and mechanical brakeactuation, a braking system with multiple settings, an adjustable handleand grip system, a system to affix leash accessories to the leashhousing, and a spool design which facilitates smooth and safe brakeactuation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Animal restraints such as leashes or tie-outs for animals, such as dogs,have been designed using fixed length leads, variable length leads, andleads which combine the function of both fixed length and variablelength. Fixed length leads are problematic when the pet is not farenough away from the pet owner or a fixed location, resulting in a leashwhich is loose, not taut, between the end attached to the animal and theopposite end held by the pet owner or attached to a fixed location. Theloose lead can get tangled easily around the pet, pet owner or the fixedlocation. Variable length leashes and tie-outs, often in the form ofretractable leashes, are designed with a leash wrapped around a spoolwithin a casing which has a tension spring to allow the leash to extendout from or retract into the casing holding the spool as the pet eithermoves away from the pet owner or toward the pet owner, thus preventingslack in the leash. Retractable leashes allow for longer lengthextension than fixed length leashes. Retractable leashes typically havea brake, which, when engaged at a desired length less than fullextension capability, prevents further length extension. The engagedbrake typically results in a fixed length leash and the aforementionedfunctional deficiencies. There might be situations related to the sizeand temperament of the dog, the size and strength of the dog walker, andthe safety conditions of the environment, where it is desirable to havea retractable leash which can extend and retract freely up to a lengthwhich is less than the full extended length of the leash.

To address the above problem, some retractable leash devices haveattempted to provide brake actuating designs with maximum lengthsettings less than full leash extension in order to offer retractioncapability for leash lengths less than full leash extension.

All in all, these devices have major disadvantages. Some designs havesetting limitations which do not accommodate practical application. Somedesigns are clumsy in that they require multi-step actuation or two-handactuation. Another design is cumbersome in that it requires the dog toextend the leash to the desired maximum length and be stopped before thenew extension maximum length can be set. In other designs, once the newmaximum length has engaged the brake to prevent further extension, thesetting cannot be changed, if desired, to a new setting to accommodate achanging situation because the brake locks up the system. In one type ofdevice, either the dog or the pet owner needs to create slack in theleash in order to unlock the setting. This might require the pet ownerusing the manual brake as a second step. In addition to theselimitations, many of these aforementioned designs have structuralchallenges where is not seen that they can be practically overcome.

Additional challenges relate to handle formation for a safe andcomfortable grip. Other leash designs have non-adjustable grips whichcannot accommodate varied hand sizes. Some attempts to remedy thisinclude various fixed contour handles, but this one size fits allapproach does not work.

Pet owners like to carry a variety of accessories, such as toys, totreats, water and clean-up devices, when walking a pet. Attempts tofacilitate carry-along convenience have been limited to hook-on systemswhich do not affix contents in a rigid manner. The loose nature of thesedevices affects both comfort and control.

When retractable leashes are in the mode of rapid extension which turnsthe leash spool inside the housing at a rapid rate, actuating the brakecan be problematic because the brake tooth has trouble engaging theturning spool. This problem affects both comfort and control since thebrake does not engage immediately and the vibration from lack ofengagement is uncomfortable and startling.

When retractable leashes are fully extended and a large force isencountered at the point of full extension, leashes frequently brakebecause they are designed with a stress point where the leash attachesto the spool or other interior positions. This problem is a safety issuebecause a broken leash results in a run-away pet.

SUMMARY

A device with functional advantages, which are represented here in theform of a retractable leash and tie-out design, that can be appliedbeyond the scope featured. A retractable leash and tic-out design, whichcan be manufactured and manufactured economically, incorporating asystem for continuous adjustability settings for maximum leashextension. The design delivers control, safety and comfort with itssetting ability to rapidly and easily accommodate specific or changingsituations related to the size and temperament of the dog, the size andstrength of the dog walker, and the safety conditions of theenvironment. Settings for a child walking a dog can be quite differentthan for that of an adult. Furthermore, the safety of the environmentcan change rapidly including other people, other pets, or surroundings.Ease of adjustability and setting flexibility enhance the control,safety and comfort of walking a pet. Brake actuation can be eithermanual or by use of the adjustable setting device. The setting of thedevice can take place when the leash is not in use, such as prior to awalk, or when the leash is in use with the brake on, or when the brakeis off as the leash is being extended or retracted. The brake canoperate independently or in unison with the brake lock to function in asemi-engaged mode where the leash spool is prevented from rotation forfurther extension, yet can rotate in the direction of retraction. Thesemi-engaged mode is simple to actuate either manually or by thepositioning of the brake lock. The brake lock works in unison with thebrake with the ability to be set into three positions, including adisengaged position which does not actuate the brake, a semi-engagedposition which prevents the leash spool from rotating in the directionof further extension while allowing rotation in the direction ofretraction, and an engaged position which prevents the leash spool fromrotating in either the direction of extension or retraction. The leashoperator can manually set the leash in semi-engaged mode and comfortablyhold the brake button in one position while the pivot brake tip movesinto its various positions during extension and retraction.

The compact, lightweight design can be operated with one hand bychildren and adults alike. The bi-directional pivoting brake tip, withits non-linear arc of engagement and disengagement, delivers a widerrange of motion and, with its neutral repositioning system incorporatingbi-directional force, it uniquely facilitates consistent operation inthe full range of varying operational and braking conditions. Inaddition to the safety and control that the bi-directional pivotingbrake tip delivers, the leash operator also experiences greater comfortfrom smoother engagement. Other designs simulating elements of thesemi-engaged mode either have an inconsistent ready position to functionor require constant control management. The incorporation of non-uniformteeth on the leash spool improve control, safety and comfort bydelivering quicker and smoother brake engagement by reducing vibrationand skipping most noted in other designs when braking during rapid spoolrotation during leash extension. The easy-read gauge makes setting themaximum length easy. The adjustable handle and grip provide improvedcontrol, safety and comfort to dog walkers with hands of varying sizes.Non-adjustable grips present a one size fits all approach to a devicewhich requires great control in order to be operated safely. The systemfor affixing accessories enhances the dog walking experience throughconvenience and comfort. The brake actuating system can offer productreliability and safety even when incorporated into a leash design withno adjustability. In this scenario, the leash can be manufactured to befully extended without fully unwinding at maximum extension. Thisprevents the spool from having a single stress point at the point ofattachment of the leash to the spool which can fatigue or break wheneither the end of the leash is reached too often during use, or theleash connection at the spool is challenged by too great of a force of arunning dog when the end of the leash is reached.

The features of this preferred embodiment highlight features which areworking collectively to enhance performance in the areas of control,safety, comfort and practical design. Each of the features representedenhance the performance of the preferred embodiment presented. Each ofthe features can stand alone as an enhancement to any leash design. Thedesign features work with various leash materials, including, but notlimited to, belt or cord leashes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view f the exterior with the adjustable brakeactuation system;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the spool, brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, andbrake lock;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on illustrating spool rotation in the direction of leashextension;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the brake, brake tip and bi-directional springpositioned to prevent spool rotation;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the brake, brake tip and bi-directional springpositioned to allow spool rotation in the direction of leash retraction;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brakelock positioned to prevent spool rotation;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brakelock with brake lock alternately positioned to prevent spool rotation inthe direction of extension;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the brake, brake tip, bi-directional spring, and brakelock with brake lock alternately positioned, as in FIG. 7, to allowspool rotation in the direction of retraction;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with an exploded view of the adjustable brake actuation system andemphasis on the setting of the adjustable brake actuation system;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with an exploded view of the adjustable brake actuation system andemphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system in motion toward leashextension and at the point of brake engagement;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with an exploded view of the adjustable brake actuation system andemphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system in motion toward leashextension with brake engagement in process;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 1with emphasis on the adjustable brake actuation system at the moment ofbrake and spool engagement and (he cessation of spool rotation in (hedirection of leash extension;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of (he exterior with (he non-adjustablebrake actuation system;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 14with emphasis on the non-adjustable brake actuation system;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 14with emphasis on the non-adjustable brake actuation system in motiontoward leash extension and at the point of brake engagement;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of components inside the housing shown in FIG. 14with emphasis on the non-adjustable brake actuation system in motion atthe moment of brake and spool engagement and the cessation of spoolrotation in the direction of leash extension, and the leash lengthremaining on the spool;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the moveable exit opening for theleash;

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are cross section views of the moveable exitopening for the leash in the housing shown in FIG. 18;

FIGS. 18D, 18E and 18F are plan views of the moveable exit opening forthe leash with an emphasis on varied positions and moveability;

FIGS. 19, 19A and 19B are plan views of the adjustable handle grip andthe system to affix accessories; and

FIGS. 20A and 20B are plan views of sections of spools with varied teethconfigurations as seen in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the presentinvention comprises a retractable retention system having a housing 16,a cord/leash 10, a spool 28 rotatably disposed within the housing 16 anda braking system.

The cord 10 has a proximal portion and a distal portion. Optionally, theproximal portion of the cord 10 can always be wound at least once aroundthe spool 28.

The spool 28 is adapted to retain the cord 10 and can rotate in either afirst radial direction 38 or a second radial direction 31. The spool 28is biased to rotate in the first radial direction 38 which causes thecord 10 to wind around the spool 28. The spool 28 has an outer perimeterwith a plurality of spaced apart teeth 24, 26. The plurality of teeth24, 26 can vary in size, shape and/or spacing.

The braking system prevents the spool 28 from rotating in the secondradial direction 31 and comprises a brake engagement element 14 and abrake insert.

The brake engagement element 14 is movably attached to the housing 16and has an exterior portion and an interior portion.

The brake insert has a base portion and a brake tip portion 11. The baseportion of the brake insert is rotatably coupled to the interior portionof the brake engagement element 14 such that the brake tip portion 11can be rotated in either direction between a first position 34, a secondposition, and a third position 37. The brake tip 11 is biased to thesecond position, which is between the first position 34 and the thirdposition 37. The brake insert is adapted such that the brake tip portion11 can be inserted between the plurality of spaced apart teeth 24, 26 toprevent the rotation of the spool 28 in the second radial direction 31.

Optionally, the braking system can prevent the spool 28 from rotating inthe second radial direction 31 and the spool 28 can still freely rotatein the first radial direction 38 thereby maintaining tension on the cord10.

Optionally, the housing 16 has a handle 5, and the handle 5 can have anadjustable handle grip 80. The adjustable handle grip 80 is capable ofmoving in a first direction or a second direction relative to the handle5 to accommodate different sized users' hands.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention has ahousing 16, a cord 10, a spool 28 rotatably disposed within the housing16, a braking system, and a cord 10 extension limiting system.

The cord 10 has a proximal portion and a distal portion. Optionally, theproximal portion of the cord 10 can always be wound at least once aroundthe spool 28.

The spool 28 is adapted to retain the cord 10 and can rotate in either afirst radial direction 38 or a second radial direction 31. The spool 28is biased to rotate in the first radial direction 38, which causes thecord 10 to wind around the spool 28. The spool 28 has an outer perimeterwith a plurality of spaced apart teeth 24, 26. The plurality of teeth24, 26 can vary in size, shape and/or spacing.

The braking system prevents the spool 28 from rotating in the secondradial direction 31 and comprises a brake engagement element 14 and abrake insert.

The brake engagement element 14 is movably attached to the housing 16and has an exterior portion and an interior portion. Optionally, thebrake engagement element 14 can prevent the spool 28 from rotating inthe second radial direction 31 and the spool 28 can still freely rotatein the first radial direction 38 maintaining tension on the cord 10.

The brake insert has a base portion and a brake tip portion 11. The baseportion of the brake insert is rotatably coupled to the interior portionof the brake engagement element 14. The brake insert is adapted suchthat the brake tip portion 11 can be inserted between the plurality ofspaced apart teeth 24, 26 to prevent the rotation of the spool 28 in thesecond radial direction 31.

Optionally, the brake tip portion 11 can be rotated in either directionbetween a first position 34, a second position, and a third position 37.The brake tip portion 11 is biased to the second position, which isbetween the first position 34 and the third position 37.

The cord 10 extension limiting system has a stop 76 coupled to the brakeengagement element 14 by a stop support 75, and an auger 63 (threadedrod) operatively coupled to the spool 28.

The stop 76 is disposed at a location that prevents full cord 10extension. The stop support 75 is capable of alternatively movingrelative to the housing 16 in a first stop support linear direction anda second stop support linear direction. The first stop support lineardirection moves the brake tip portion 11 to between the plurality ofspaced apart teeth 24, 26 and the second stop support linear directionmoves the brake tip portion 11 away from between the plurality of spacedapart teeth 24, 26. The stop support 75 is biased in the second stopsupport linear direction.

A brake actuator 69 is threaded onto the auger 63. Rotation of the spool28 in the first spool radial direction 38 causes the auger 63 to rotatein a first auger radial direction and the rotation of the spool 28 inthe second spool radial direction 31 causes the auger 63 to rotate in asecond auger radial direction.

Rotation of the auger 63 in the first auger radial direction causes thebrake actuator 69 to travel in a first brake actuator linear directionand rotation of the auger 63 in the second auger radial direction causesthe brake actuator 69 to travel in a second brake actuator lineardirection. The traveling of the brake actuator 69 in the second brakeactuator linear direction causes the brake actuator 69 to eventuallycontact the stop 76. The continued traveling of the brake actuator 69 inthe second brake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator 69to push the stop 76 and the stop support 75 in the first linear stopsupport direction. This moves the brake tip portion 11 to between theplurality of spaced apart teeth 24, 26. The traveling of the brakeactuator 69 in the first brake actuator linear direction causes thebrake actuator 69 to move away from the stop 76 to allow the stopsupport 75 to travel in the second stop support linear direction. Thismoves the brake tip portion 11 from between the plurality of spacedapart teeth 24, 26.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the stop support 75 is providedby an adjustment auger 66 and the stop 68 is threadably attached to theadjustment auger 66.

The adjustment auger 66 is rotatably coupled to the brake engagementelement 14 and is capable of alternatively moving relative to thehousing 16 in a first adjustment auger linear direction and a secondadjustment auger linear direction. The first adjustment auger lineardirection moves the brake tip portion 11 to between the plurality ofspaced apart teeth 24, 26 and the second adjustment auger lineardirection moves the brake tip portion 11 away from between the pluralityof spaced apart teeth 24, 26. The adjustment auger 66 is biased in thesecond adjustment auger linear direction.\

Rotation of an adjustment dial 18 in a first adjustment dial radialdirection rotates the adjustment auger 66 in a first adjustment augerradial direction and the rotation of the adjustment dial 18 in a secondadjustment dial radial direction rotates the adjustment auger 66 in asecond adjustment auger radial direction.

Rotation of the adjustment auger 66 in the first adjustment auger radialdirection causes the stop 68 to travel along the adjustment auger 66 ina first stop linear direction, and the rotation of the adjustment auger66 in the second adjustment auger radial direction causes the stop 68 totravel along the adjustment auger 66 in a second stop linear direction.

Optionally, the retractable retention system can also have a meter 8coupled to the housing 16, the meter 8 comprising a meter guide 7, suchthat the location of the stop 68 corresponds to the location of themeter guide 7 relative to the meter 8 and the maximum cord 10 extensionlength.

Additionally, the cord 10 can be alternatively extended 32 and retracted36 between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.Prior to use or during use, a maximum extension length of the cord 10can be selectable by a dial, a slide or pins at an infinite number ofextension lengths between the fully retracted position and the fullyextended position.

The leash assembly for a cord 10 which can be extended and retracted towalk animals, as shown in FIG, 1, comprising a housing 16 with a handle5 to carry the leash assembly. FIG. 2 reveals housing 16 contains aspool 28 onto which the cord 10 is wound and which leaves the housing 16through an exit opening 4 shown in FIG. 1. The spool 28 has a set ofmultiple teeth 26 and 24 located on outside with a corresponding set ofteeth on the opposite side of the spool 28. On the opposite side (notshown), the positioning and orientation of the spool teeth aresymmetrical and parallel to the view seen in FIG. 2. Furthermore, abrake button 14 is provided in order to block the leash spool 28 andthus form a leash part in any desired length. At its free end, the leashis provided with a connecting hook toot shown). Under a spool plug 29 isa spring (not shown) against whose force the spool 28 can rotate.According to this, the leash assembly corresponds to a normalmechanically retractable leash assembly and needs no furtherexplanation.

The brake button 14 in FIG. 2 is mounted in the leash housing 16 so thatit can move inward, as seen by the arrow on FIG. 4 or outward backtoward its fully disengaged position as seen in FIG. 2. The movement ofthe brake button 14 runs approximately radially to the leash spool 28.The bottom part of the brake button 14 is a pivot brake tip 11 which ismounted to the upper portion of brake button 14 using a brake pin 17which facilitates the pivot brake tip 11 rotational movement.Furthermore, pivot brake tip 11 rests in a neutral position ofengagement under the bi-directional force of a bi-directional springsystem comprised of a spring force 13 toward an outward disengagedorientation and spring force 15 toward an inward engaged orientation.The opposing spring force 13 and 15 work in unison to hold pivot braketip 11 in a neutral position when brake button 14 in conjunction withpivot brake tip 11 are fully disengaged from spool 28. From the neutralposition of pivot brake tip 11, the tip is capable of rotating eitherinward or outward as it pivots on brake pin 17.

FIG. 3 shows the leash spool 28 rotating in the direction of arrow 31during leash 10 extension in the direction of arrow 32 with brake button14 in FIG. 2 in conjunction with pivot brake tip 11 in FIG. 2 in a fullydisengaged position from spool 28.

FIG. 4 demonstrates full brake engagement, when brake button 14 ispushed inward in the direction of arrow 35, pivot brake tip 11 in FIG. 2contacts one of the spool tooth braking surfaces 27, which are orientedmostly radially from the center of the spool, resulting in brakeactivation which prevents the spool 28 in FIG. 3 from rotating in eitherthe direction of extension or retraction thus preventing the leash 10from lengthening or shortening. Pivot brake tip 11, upon contactingspool tooth braking surface 27 during rotation in the direction ofextension, rotates inward in the direction of arrow 37 toward a parallelorientation with brake button 14. As pivot brake tip 11 rotates inward,spring force 13 in FIG. 2 is pushed in the direction of force of springforce 15. During full brake engagement, the bottom of pivot tip 11 is incontact with spool tooth braking surface 27 and may or may not makecontact with spool rotational surface 33.

FIG. 5 demonstrates semi-brake engagement during which brake button 14in FIG. 2 in unison with pivot brake tip 11 in FIG. 2 is positioned suchthat the bottom of pivot brake tip 11 is in contact with spool tooth 26without being able to contact spool rotational surface 33. When brakebutton 14 is pushed inward in the direction of arrow 35 in FIG. 4, pivotbrake tip 11 in FIG. 2 contacts one of the angled spool tooth surfaces25, resulting in pivot brake tip 11 rotating outward as seen in arrow 34from its neutral position. As pivot brake tip 11 rotates outward, springthree 15 in FIG. 2 is pushed in the direction of force of spring force13. In FIG. 5, spool rotation is in the direction of retraction as seenby arrow 38 causing leash 10 to shorten in the direction of arrow 36.With brake button 14 in unison with pivot brake tip 11 in the positionof semi-brake engagement, pivot brake tip 11, upon no longer makingcontact with spool tooth surface 25, rotates back to its neutralposition under spring force 13 and spring force 15 in FIG. 2 whichplaces the bottom of the pivot brake tip between spool outer surface 22in FIG. 5 and spool rotation surface 33 in FIG. 4. This position allowspivot brake tip to rotate in the direction of arrow 34 during spoolrotation in the direction of retraction seen in arrow 38 in FIG. 5, orpivot brake tip 11, upon contact with spool tooth braking surface 27 inFIG. 2 during spool rotation in the direction of extension as seen inarrow 31 of FIG. 3, can rotate in the direction of arrow 37 to assumebrake tip orientation as seen in FIG. 4 and prevent spool rotation inthe direction of leash extension.

In FIG. 6, brake button 14 in unison with pivot brake tip 11 are in thefully engaged position in relation to spool 28 with the bottom of pivotbrake tip in contact with both spool tooth braking surface 27 in FIG. 2and spool rotational surface 33 in FIG. 6 resulting in spool rotationprevention. Brake lock 12 is pivoted on brake pin 21 in FIG. 2 and movedinto position in the direction of arrow 41 in FIG. 6 on the top of brakelock 12 where the bottom of brake lock 9 is in contact with brake buttonnotch 40 resulting in brake lock 12 affecting full brake engagement withspool 28. Until brake lock 12 is subsequently moved out of fully engagedposition, spool 28 cannot move and leash 10 can neither lengthen norshorten. Leash 10 is now a fixed length which can end up with slack ifthe distance between the pet and pet owner is reduced in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, brake button 14 in unison with pivot brake tip 11are in the semi-engaged position in relation to spool 28 with the bottomof pivot brake tip in contact with spool tooth braking surface 27 inFIG. 2 and not with spool rotational surface 33 in FIG. 4 resulting inspool rotation prevention in the direction of extension as seen in FIG.3 arrow 31. Brake lock 12 is pivoted on brake pin 21 in FIG. 2 and movedinto position in the direction of arrow 42 in FIG. 7 when brake lock 12is moved from the fully engaged position, or from the opposite directionafter moving brake button 14 in unison with pivot brake tip 11 intosemi-engaged position with spool 28. The bottom of the brake lock 9 isin contact with brake button notch 39 resulting in brake lock 12affecting semi-brake engagement with spool 28. As with brake 14 inunison with pivot brake tip 11 in semi-brake engagement with spool 28 isprevented from rotating in the direction of :leash extension whileallowing spool rotation in the direction of spool retraction.

FIGS. 9-13 are a series of views demonstrating operation elements of theadjustable brake actuation system. The brake actuation system in FIG. 9demonstrates compact size and energy transfer efficiencies within theleash system which also impact the component integrity during operation.The transfer of energy from spool 28 in FIG. 2 to brake 14 through thebrake actuation system is low enough to allow for all components to bemade of plastic, if desired, without concerns of design failure. In FIG.9, housing 62 is connected to housing 16 in FIG. 2. The brake actuationsystem is linked to brake button 14 at brake mount 60 in FIG. 9. Whilethe brake actuation system can activate the brake without directlinkage, the linkage is used to enhance operational and structuralefficiencies.

Adjustment dial 18 directly drives auger 66 and shaft 64. Whenadjustment dial 18 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 10, setting stop 68, which is threaded to move along auger 66,moves relationally and directionally as indicated by the arrows. Theposition of setting stop 68 in FIG. 9 is directly translated to meterguide 7. Meter guide 7 can be viewed through meter window 6 andtranslated by meter 8. Meter guide 7 is positioned alongside meter 8 inFIG. 1 to designate the adjustment setting and moves in parallel withthe meter guide. After adjustment dial 18 is rotated to move settingstop 68 into the position by the pet owner, setting stop 68 remains inposition on auger 66 in FIG. 9. FIG. 1 reveals optional dial guides 20on adjustment dial 18.

In FIG. 11, as spool 28 in FIG. 2 rotates in the direction of leashextension 32 in FIG. 3, spool gear 30 rotates in the same directionwhich rotates gear 67 which is connected to auger 63 and directly drivesauger 63. Brake actuator 69 is threaded and mounted to auger 63 in FIG.9. As spool 28 in FIG. 2 rotates, auger 63 rotates causing brakeactuator 69 in FIG. 9 to move in the direction indicated in FIG. 11. Asauger 63 rotates in the direction indicated by the rotation of gear 67,brake actuator 69 moves along auger 63 in FIG. 9 until surface 72 makescontact with surface 71 in FIG. 11. As directional rotation continuesfrom FIG. 11, FIG. 12 shows brake actuator 69 exerting force on settingstop 68 in the direction of the arrows which translates to moving dialauger 66, dial 18 and brake button 14 in FIG. 9 with pivot brake tip 11in the direction of the arrows indicated. This force translation ismoving brake button 14 with pivot brake tip 11 toward spool 28 in FIG.2. As dial auger 66 moves, auger shaft 64 and auger shaft 65 in FIG. 9move respectively through housing guides 70 and 61 in FIG. 12. FIG. 13shows continued rotation from FIG. 12 with respective continuedcomponent movement until pivot brake tip 11 attached to brake button 14is brought into position to engage one of the spool tooth brakingsurfaces 27 on spool 28. Pivot brake tip 11 rotates into position toprevent spool rotation in the direction of extension. Conversely, ifafter spool 28 in FIG. 2 is prevented from rotating in the direction ofextension, leash retraction were to ensue, spool rotation would be inthe opposite direction and brake actuator 69 in FIG. 9 would begin tomove in the opposite direction than previously indicated and brakebutton 14 with pivot brake tip 11 would move out of position which hadpreviously prevented rotation of spool 28 in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 14-17 are a series of views demonstrating operation elements ofthe non-adjustable brake actuation system. This design alternative hassame operation principle as with the adjustable brake actuation systemfeatured in FIGS. 9-13, but does not include an adjustment dial system.Instead, this design incorporates one preset for the maximum lengthleash 10 to extend from spool 28 in order to improve safety and productintegrity by not allowing leash 10 in FIG. 2 to extend to its fasteningpoint. The fastening point is a point of high stress and design weaknessand product failure in other leashes. FIG. 14 shows the leash housingwith no dial. The design can accommodate and utilize a meter, meterwindow, and meter guide, but they are not required for operation. In thenon-adjustable brake actuation system, FIG. 15 shows shaft 75 withoutthreads, since stop 76 is in a fixed position on shaft 75. As in theadjustable brake actuation system featured in FIGS. 9-13, brake actuator69 travels along auger 63 in response to auger rotation featured inFIGS. 9-13. In FIG. 16, brake actuator 69 moves directionally as thearrows indicate in response to the indicated extension direction ofrotation of spool 28 in FIG. 2. Upon contact from brake actuator 69 tostop 76 as brake actuator 69 continues movement in the directionindicated in FIGS. 16-17, stop 76 moves with brake actuator 69 whichtranslates to movement of shaft 75, brake mount 60 in FIG. 15, brakebutton 14 with pivot brake tip 11. This results in pivot brake tip 11engaging one of the spool teeth at its spool braking surface 27 in FIG.2. FIG. 17 shows a cross section view of the leash 10 having remaininglength wound around spool 28 at the point of maximum extension of leash10 as controlled by the non-adjustable brake actuation system. As withthe adjustable brake actuation system, the non-adjustable brakeactuation system allows for complete manual brake button 14 activationand the operation of the brake lock 12 in FIG. 2.

Normally, such leash assemblies equipped with a leash 10 in the shape ofa strap have a leash dispenser 4 in FIG. 1 in the shape of a narrowrectangular slit which can be integrated into the housing as shown inFIG. 18 and through which a leash is guided to the outside. Leashdispensers often allow for the leash 10 to twist or fold when running inand out of the leash dispenser 4 which either winds improperly onto thespool 28 or can simply get stuck in the leash dispenser 4 in FIG. 1 sothe automatic function can no longer be ensured. As shown in FIGS. 18D,18E and 18F, the leash dispenser can move with the leash within alimited range of orientation to accommodate the tendency of the twistingor folding leash 10 and better guide the leash in through the leashdispenser 55 in FIG. 18D and back onto the spool 28 in FIG. 2 duringretraction and out through leash dispenser 55 in FIG. 18D during leashextension. FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C show cross section of leash dispenser55 in FIG. 18D as it is mounted into, and is able to move in, leashhousing 16 in FIG. 1. Leash dispenser stop 56 is able to moverotationally between housing stop 57 and housing stop 58 in FIG. 18Bduring rotation to turn leash dispenser 55 in FIG. 18D into thedirectional orientations shown in FIGS. 18D, 18E and 18F as needed.

FIG. 19 depicts two handle features, an adjustable grip and an accessoryclip system. Leash handle 5 needs to be designed to accommodate avariety of hand sizes. Other designs have attempted to address thisproblem with fixed ridges. This one size fits all approach does not workand results in discomfort for many whose hands are not compatibly sized.This also translates into a safety issue when a pet owner does not havea good grip on the leash handle 5. A pet can pull away and the pet ownercan lose their grip and let go of the leash handle 5. By incorporatingan adjustable grip guide 80 which can slide along an adjustment guide 81which sits in handle guide receptacle 85, pet owners can customize thehandle grip to fit any hand size. The adjustment guide 81 allows forcomfort and delivers greater control and safety by positioning fingersin their best position to operate the manual brake 14, brake lock 12 inFIG. 2, and adjustment dial 18 in FIG. 9. The ease of positioning asindicated in FIG. 19 allows multiple pet owners of different hand sizesto share the product and maximize comfort, control and safety for eachperson.

The accessory clip system in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B depict one of severalsystems to affix accessories to the handle or housing of a leash using arigid lock system. In this depiction, leash handle 5 has a cut outaccessory clip receptacle 83. Accessory clip connector 82 on clip 84 isformed to slide and lock into clip receptacle 83.

FIGS. 20A and 20B emphasize the teeth configuration on spools forleashes. FIG. 20A demonstrates a uniform tooth pattern found on otherleashes. When a leash is being extended at a high rate of speed causingthe spool to also turn at a high rate of speed, the uniform top surfacesof the teeth on the spool form a virtual smooth surface into which thebrake tip is trying to penetrate during an attempt to engage the brake.The operator of the leash, upon trying to actuate the brake, oftenexperiences skipping of the brake tooth across the top surfaces of theteeth as the brake tries to position itself between the teeth to stoprotation. Furthermore, a high vibration of the brake button resultswhich is uncomfortable and may even cause the pet owner to drop theleash handle. There are both safety and comfort concerns as the leashcannot be stopped promptly and may even be released. FIG. 20B depictsspool teeth of varied sizes. By positioning one or more spool teeth of avaried size, shape, or position, the brake engages promptly, efficientlyand smoothly because there is no longer a virtual uniform surface alongthe tops of the spool teeth when the spool is rotating at a high rate ofspeed. Brake tips of all designs benefit from this spool teethconfiguration.

Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments arepossible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in thisdisclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable retention system comprising: a) ahousing; b) a cord comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion;c) a spool rotatably disposed within the housing such that the spool canrotate in either a first radial direction or a second radial direction,the spool being adapted to retain the cord, the proximal portion of thecord being coupled to the spool, the spool having a plurality of spacedapart teeth and the plurality of teeth vary in size, shape and spacing;and d) a braking system disposed within the housing and coupled to spoolto prevent the spool from rotating in the second direction.
 2. Theretractable retention system of claim 1, wherein the housing furthercomprises a handle.
 3. The retractable retention system of claim 2,wherein the handle comprises: a) an interior surface and an exteriorsurface; b) a handle guide receptacle disposed along the interiorsurface of the handle; and c) a slidable handle grip coupled to theinterior surface of the handle and adapted to slide in a first directionor a second direction relative to the interior surface of the handle toaccommodate different sized users hands.
 4. The retractable retentionsystem of claim 3, wherein the slidable handle grip comprises anadjustment guide disposed within the handle guide receptacle.
 5. Theretractable retention system of claim 1, wherein the proximal portion ofthe cord is wound at least once around the spool.
 6. The retractableretention system of claim 1, wherein the spool is freely rotatable inthe first direction and wherein the braking system prevents the spoolfrom rotating in the second direction.
 7. The retractable retentionsystem of claim 1, wherein the braking system comprises: a) a brakeengagement element which is movably attached to the housing, the brakeengagement element comprising an exterior portion and an interiorportion; and b) a brake insert, the brake insert having a base portionand a brake tip portion, the base portion being rotatably coupled to theinterior portion of the brake engagement element such that the brake tipportion can be rotated in either direction between a first position, asecond position, and a third position, the second position being betweenthe first position and the third position, the brake tip portion beingbiased to the second position, the brake insert being adapted such thatthe brake tip portion can be inserted between the plurality of spacedapart teeth to prevent the rotation of the spool in the second radialdirection.
 8. The retractable retention system of claim 7 furthercomprising an adjustable brake actuation system, the adjustable brakeactuation system comprising: a) an adjustment auger rotatably coupled tothe brake engagement element, the adjustment auger being capable ofalternatively moving relative to the housing in a first adjustment augerlinear direction to move the brake tip portion to between the pluralityof spaced apart teeth and a second adjustment auger linear direction tomove the brake tip portion away from between the plurality of spacedapart teeth, the adjustment auger being biased in the second adjustmentauger linear direction; b) a rotatable adjustment dial coupled to theadjustment auger such that the rotation of the adjustment dial in afirst adjustment dial radial direction rotates the adjustment auger in afirst adjustment auger radial direction and the rotation of theadjustment dial in a second adjustment dial radial direction rotates theadjustment auger in a second adjustment auger radial direction; c) astop threadably attached to the adjustment auger such that the rotationof the adjustment auger in the first adjustment auger radial directioncauses the stop to travel along the adjustment auger in a first stoplinear direction, and the rotation of the adjustment auger in the secondadjustment auger radial direction causes the stop to travel along theadjustment auger in a second stop linear direction; and d) a brakeactuation auger operatively coupled to the spool such that the rotationof the spool in the first spool radial direction causes the brakeactuation auger to rotate in a first brake actuation auger radialdirection, and the rotation of the spool in the second spool radialdirection causes the brake actuation auger to rotate in a second brakeactuation auger radial direction, the brake actuation auger comprising abrake actuator threaded onto the brake actuation auger such that therotation of the brake actuation auger in the first auger radialdirection causes the brake actuator to travel in a first brake actuatorlinear direction and such that the rotation of the brake actuation augerin the second brake actuation auger radial direction causes the brakeactuator to travel in a second brake actuator linear direction, thetraveling of the brake actuator in the second brake actuator lineardirection causes the brake actuator to eventually contact the stop, andthe continued traveling of the brake actuator in the second brakeactuator linear direction causes the brake actuator to push the stop andthe adjustment auger in the first adjustment auger linear direction tomove the brake tip portion to between the plurality of spaced apartteeth, and the traveling of the brake actuator in the first brakeactuator linear direction causes the brake actuator to move away fromthe stop to allow the adjustment auger to travel in the secondadjustment auger linear direction and move the brake tip portion frombetween the plurality of spaced apart teeth.
 9. The retractableretention system of claim 7 further comprising a cord extension limitingsystem, the cord extension limiting system comprising: a) a stop coupledto the brake engagement element by a stop support, the stop beingdisposed at a location that prevents full cord extension, the stopsupport being capable of alternatively moving relative to the housing ina first stop support linear direction to move the brake tip portion tobetween the plurality of spaced apart teeth and a second stop supportlinear direction to move the brake tip portion away from between theplurality of spaced apart teeth, the stop support being biased in thesecond stop support linear direction; and b) an auger operativelycoupled to the spool such that the rotation of the spool in the firstspool radial direction causes the auger to rotate in a first augerradial direction and the rotation of the spool in the second spoolradial direction causes the auger to rotate in a second auger radialdirection, the auger comprising a brake actuator threaded onto the augersuch that the rotation of the auger in the first auger radial directioncauses the brake actuator to travel in a first brake actuator lineardirection and such that the rotation of the auger in the second augerradial direction causes the brake actuator to travel in a second brakeactuator linear direction, the traveling of the brake actuator in thesecond brake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator toeventually contact the stop, the continued traveling of the brakeactuator in the second brake actuator linear direction causes the brakeactuator to push the stop and the stop support in the first linear stopsupport direction to move the brake tip to between the plurality ofspaced apart teeth and the traveling of the brake actuator in the firstbrake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator to move awayfrom the stop to allow the stop support to travel in the second stopsupport linear direction and move the brake tip from between theplurality of spaced apart teeth.
 10. The retractable retention system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of spaced apart teeth are disposed aroundthe perimeter of the spool.
 11. A retractable retention systemcomprising: a) a housing; b) a cord comprising a proximal portion and adistal portion; c) a spool rotatably disposed within the housing suchthat the spool can rotate in either a first radial direction or a secondradial direction, the spool being adapted to retain the cord, theproximal portion of the cord being coupled to the spool, the spoolhaving a plurality of spaced apart teeth and the plurality of teeth varyin size, shape or spacing; and d) a braking system disposed within thehousing and coupled to spool to prevent the spool from rotating in thesecond direction.
 12. The retractable retention system of claim 11,wherein the housing further comprises a handle.
 13. The retractableretention system of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises: a) aninterior surface and an exterior surface; b) a handle guide receptacledisposed along the interior surface of the handle; and c) a slidablehandle grip coupled to the interior surface of the handle and adapted toslide in a first direction or a second direction relative to theinterior surface of the handle to accommodate different sized usershands.
 14. The retractable retention system of claim 13, wherein theslidable handle grip comprises an adjustment guide disposed within thehandle guide receptacle.
 15. The retractable retention system of claim11, wherein the proximal portion of the cord is wound at least oncearound the spool.
 16. The retractable retention system of claim 11,wherein the spool is freely rotatable in the first direction and whereinthe braking system prevents the spool from rotating in the seconddirection.
 17. The retractable retention system of claim 11, wherein thebraking system comprises: a) a brake engagement element which is movablyattached to the housing, the brake engagement element comprising anexterior portion and an interior portion; and b) a brake insert, thebrake insert having a base portion and a brake tip portion, the baseportion being rotatably coupled to the interior portion of the brakeengagement element such that the brake tip portion can be rotated ineither direction between a first position, a second position, and athird position, the second position being between the first position andthe third position, the brake tip portion being biased to the secondposition, the brake insert being adapted such that the brake tip portioncan be inserted between the plurality of spaced apart teeth to preventthe rotation of the spool in the second radial direction.
 18. Theretractable retention system of claim 17 further comprising anadjustable brake actuation system, the adjustable brake actuation systemcomprising: a) an adjustment auger rotatably coupled to the brakeengagement element, the adjustment auger being capable of alternativelymoving relative to the housing in a first adjustment auger lineardirection to move the brake tip portion to between the plurality ofspaced apart teeth and a second adjustment auger linear direction tomove the brake tip portion away from between the plurality of spacedapart teeth, the adjustment auger being biased in the second adjustmentauger linear direction; b) a rotatable adjustment dial coupled to theadjustment auger such that the rotation of the adjustment dial in afirst adjustment dial radial direction rotates the adjustment auger in afirst adjustment auger radial direction and the rotation of theadjustment dial in a second adjustment dial radial direction rotates theadjustment auger in a second adjustment auger radial direction; c) astop threadably attached to the adjustment auger such that the rotationof the adjustment auger in the first adjustment auger radial directioncauses the stop to travel along the adjustment auger in a first stoplinear direction, and the rotation of the adjustment auger in the secondadjustment auger radial direction causes the stop to travel along theadjustment auger in a second stop linear direction; and d) a brakeactuation auger operatively coupled to the spool such that the rotationof the spool in the first spool radial direction causes the brakeactuation auger to rotate in a first brake actuation auger radialdirection, and the rotation of the spool in the second spool radialdirection causes the brake actuation auger to rotate in a second brakeactuation auger radial direction, the brake actuation auger comprising abrake actuator threaded onto the brake actuation auger such that therotation of the brake actuation auger in the first auger radialdirection causes the brake actuator to travel in a first brake actuatorlinear direction and such that the rotation of the brake actuation augerin the second brake actuation auger radial direction causes the brakeactuator to travel in a second brake actuator linear direction, thetraveling of the brake actuator in the second brake actuator lineardirection causes the brake actuator to eventually contact the stop, andthe continued traveling of the brake actuator in the second brakeactuator linear direction causes the brake actuator to push the stop andthe adjustment auger in the first adjustment auger linear direction tomove the brake tip portion to between the plurality of spaced apartteeth, and the traveling of the brake actuator in the first brakeactuator linear direction causes the brake actuator to move away fromthe stop to allow the adjustment auger to travel in the secondadjustment auger linear direction and move the brake tip portion frombetween the plurality of spaced apart teeth.
 19. The retractableretention system of claim 17 further comprising a cord extensionlimiting system, the cord extension limiting system comprising: a) astop coupled to the brake engagement element by a stop support, the stopbeing disposed at a location that prevents full cord extension, the stopsupport being capable of alternatively moving relative to the housing ina first stop support linear direction to move the brake tip portion tobetween the plurality of spaced apart teeth and a second stop supportlinear direction to move the brake tip portion away from between theplurality of spaced apart teeth, the stop support being biased in thesecond stop support linear direction; and b) an auger operativelycoupled to the spool such that the rotation of the spool in the firstspool radial direction causes the auger to rotate in a first augerradial direction and the rotation of the spool in the second spoolradial direction causes the auger to rotate in a second auger radialdirection, the auger comprising a brake actuator threaded onto the augersuch that the rotation of the auger in the first auger radial directioncauses the brake actuator to travel in a first brake actuator lineardirection and such that the rotation of the auger in the second augerradial direction causes the brake actuator to travel in a second brakeactuator linear direction, the traveling of the brake actuator in thesecond brake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator toeventually contact the stop, the continued traveling of the brakeactuator in the second brake actuator linear direction causes the brakeactuator to push the stop and the stop support in the first linear stopsupport direction to move the brake tip to between the plurality ofspaced apart teeth and the traveling of the brake actuator in the firstbrake actuator linear direction causes the brake actuator to move awayfrom the stop to allow the stop support to travel in the second stopsupport linear direction and move the brake tip from between theplurality of spaced apart teeth.
 20. The retractable retention system ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of spaced apart teeth are disposedaround the perimeter of the spool.